The main benefit of the study of Philosophy is developing the ability to think critically and for oneself. More than problem solving, it is the ability to make informed and reflective judgments in ambiguous situations, which is highly valued in all professions. Given this, a philosophy minor would be a useful addition to any major program.
The minor curriculum consists of five classes: Logic, Introductory Ethics, and three more PHL courses selected with advisement. This structure keeps the minor a live option for all students. For example, students majoring in the health sciences could fill out their minor with philosophy classes like Health, Happiness, and Human Wellbeing and the Ethics of Making and Taking Lives. Natural science majors could take courses like Modern Philosophy and Philosophy of Science. Pre-law majors could strengthen their background with courses like Political Philosophy and Contemporary Ethical Issues. Art majors could take courses like Contemporary Philosophy and Beauty and Death: Sublime Aesthetics. Philosophy professors work with students to tailor the minor to their students’ goals.
The Philosophy minor also prepares students for further study of philosophy in graduate school.
Contact Information
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Philosophy minor, students will be able to:
- Articulate their own clear and nuanced positions on complex issues.
- Anticipate and respond to some of the most pressing challenging counter-arguments and/or objections to their own positions.
- Methodically analyze their own and others' assumptions, including the assumptions of any authors/philosophers the student engages.
- Analyze and synthesize information taken from sources in ways that is accurate, coherent, and relatively comprehensive.
- Use delivery techniques (e.g. gestures, eye contact, vocal expressiveness) and delivery aids (e.g. slide shows, charts, props, etc.) to present positions to others in a polished and clear manner.
Requirements
Students must achieve the following program requirements for all courses listed under Program Requirements and Program Required Courses for the Philosophy minor.
Program Requirements
Minor Credits: 20
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Minimum Grade: C-
Program Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL 1105 | Logic | 4 |
| PHL 2214 | Introductory Ethics | 4 |
| Twelve additional PHL credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |